Advancing Legal Education Through Technology: Rwanda’s Journey Toward a Future-Ready Legal Workforce

 

Dr SEZIRAHIGA Yve, the vice rector in charge of academics, in a panel discussion in African Law & Tech Network Summit 2025, on the topic of Developing Future Lawyers and Policymakers: Capacity Building in a Digital Age, he mentioned an interesting thing on use of technology in legal education.  He mentioned that at ILPD, ‘’they’re building smart classrooms and integrating AI to equip students with future-ready skills.’’

During covid19, a lot of sectors were affected including education sector. As it was required to stay at home, technology use increased. Many schools struggled to continue the teaching activities which showed the need of use of technology in attending classes. Different digital platforms were used like google meet, and Zoom.

The 2016 education policy indicated that, students must be prepared for the 21st century and given abilities needed to succeed and thrive in today’s complex, technology-based global economy, and to be active 21st century global citizens. Some of these skills include Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration and Visualization. Technology in education enables the development of these important skills.[1]

The University of Rwanda, through its School of Law, organized the 6th Interface Workshop—an[2] academic gathering that brought together researchers, academics, and key stakeholders in the legal and justice sectors from Rwanda and beyond. The event, held under the theme “Enhancing the Quality of Legal Education in Rwanda,” provided a platform for critical discussions on the state of legal education, its alignment with labor market demands, and the strategic direction for future development.

A central focus of the workshop was the integration of modern technology into legal education. In his keynote address, former Hon. Chief Justice Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo emphasized the necessity of equipping law graduates with skills and knowledge that match the demands of the evolving global landscape. He specifically cited technological tools and disciplines that are increasingly relevant to the legal profession.

“There is a need for a holistic legal education system which leverages innovation and modern technology to develop Rwanda’s bright minds ready for the current and future job market,” said former Chief Justice Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo.

 

He further highlighted emerging fields such as data analytics, cloud computing, blockchain, and[3] artificial intelligence as essential areas that are reshaping legal practice both in Rwanda and globally.

He noted that “knowledge and skills offered in the School of Law should align with modern[4] concepts that the world is confronted with. These include data analytics, cloud computing, blockchain, artificial intelligence and others; which are likely to affect legal practice in Rwanda and beyond.”

To build a culture of technology use in legal education it should start as early as possible as in primary school and secondary schools. Looking at the beginning of education as early as primary school and prepare future lawyer who are skilled in technology use this will contribute massively when the students start law school.

Rwanda has dome a lot already. Rwanda is undertaking significant educational reforms to align its system with the needs of the 21st century, focusing on competency-based and student-centered learning. The new curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, practical learning, and other core skills to make education more relevant.[5]

A major government priority is integrating ICT (Information and Communication Technology) into education to widen access to resources and improve learning outcomes. The National ICT Master Plan seeks to leverage the national fiber optic network and 4G LTE to connect all parts of the country, supported by locally made devices from the Positivo-BGH factory. The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative plays a central role in primary education by providing digital learning tools. Launched in 2009, it now covers 67% of primary schools, up from 47% in 2015. The laptops help students engage with interactive, game-based learning and prepare them for future careers in engineering, robotics, and drone technology. A notable success is the Keza Learning Centre in Kicukiro, which serves learners aged 5 to 17.[6]

The Smart Classroom project has brought digital education tools to 55% of secondary schools, reinforcing Rwanda’s Vision 2050 goals and the Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP), which aims to align education with labor market needs and foster 21st-century skills. To further modernize teaching, the Ministry of Education launched the Tech Enabled STEM Teaching (TEST) program. This incorporates technologies like Virtual Reality, Robotics, and Gamification to enhance STEM education and prepare students for global scientific and engineering demands.[7]

 Efforts are also underway to boost English proficiency and digital literacy through e-learning. This includes developing online courses and assessments for teachers and upgrading the national e-learning platform managed by the Rwanda Education Board (REB). Additionally, entrepreneurship education is being integrated across both basic and technical education (TVET), equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems and capitalize on economic opportunities.[8]

While Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, leads in internet access and ICT infrastructure, efforts are ongoing to expand electricity, promote ICT adoption, and modernize rural areas using mobile technologies for services like finance and governance. However, gender disparities persist, with female-headed households less likely to own ICT devices due to factors like income, literacy, and limited exposure. Women also have significantly lower participation in ICT-related education.[9]

Mobile phone ownership is unequal—60% of men versus 38% of women own one. Despite government attempts to incorporate gender considerations into policies, challenges remain, including high internet costs, limited infrastructure, digital illiteracy, and low rural electrification (only 18% access). In education, digital integration is hindered by the lack of computers, internet, and trained teachers. Many educators lack ICT skills and are hesitant to use digital tools, partly due to insufficient infrastructure and training. Interviews with education stakeholders confirmed these issues, noting that many teachers are unaware of the potential benefits of ICT for professional growth, and there is no clear data on teachers’ ICT competencies, complicating planning.[10]

While digitalization can improve teaching efficiency, it may also increase teachers’ workloads. Stakeholders stressed the need for continuous professional development (CPD) and better pre-service training. Current teacher training institutions often lack ICT resources and trained faculty, limiting future educators' preparedness. Additional challenges include limited funding for ICT, resistance to change—especially among older teachers—shortages of ICT staff in schools, and poorly designed ICT training programs. Addressing these issues requires systemic investment in infrastructure, training, and policy implementation.[11]

Conclusion

Technology is vital for modern legal education. Rwanda is making strong progress by integrating digital tools and innovations into its legal training, helping students gain future-ready skills. Leaders emphasize aligning legal education with global tech trends like AI and data analytics. However, challenges such as limited infrastructure, teacher training, and gender gaps remain. Continued investment and reform are needed to fully realize the potential of tech in legal education and prepare competitive legal professionals.

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[1] MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, ICT IN EDUCATION POLICY, APRIL 2016. Accessed 13, May, 2025. Available here

[2] MURANGWA Darius, Academics and legal experts meet to discuss the status and quality of legal education in Rwanda, 02-04-2023. Available here

[3] IDEM

[4] IDEM

[5] Ministry of Education, Building skills in Rwanda's Youth : Skills in Basic Education. Accessed 20, May, 2025. Available here

[6] IDEM

[7] IDEM

[8] IDEM

[9] Irénée Ndayambaje, Teaching and the teaching profession in a digital world – Rwanda, 2023. Accessed 20, May, 2025. Available here

[10] IDEM

[11] IDEM